Kempes announces his candidacy for FKF presidency

Former Harambee Stars midfield maestro Sammy 'Kempes' Owino has officially thrown his life on the line for the forthcoming Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency.

Owino did his official unveiling in Nairobi yesterday where he underlined his detailed manifesto ahead of the polls slated for February next year.

Among the things he is eager to rectify in the local football scene includes what he termed as bad leadership and poor infrastructures.

"Our football is in shambles, I feel I have the prerequisites needed to clean it," Owino told Standard Sports.

"I have a vision for the game in this country, I want the sport to be a perfect example of a possibility in Kenya."

Owino detailed his road map meant to take the beautiful game to the top to realise his vision.

Among them is restoring trust in the federation to rope in sponsors and corporates.

"We will bring in the right individuals to change the image of the game, there will be accountability, inclusivity and the embrace of technology to give the corporate confidence," he underlined.

Owino is eager to put up structures that will put up effective football systems; from the grassroots to the nationals.

"We must include women in positions of leadership, we must create awareness on former and current players, the players must have a retirement plan, they must be given opportunities to go to college and play overseas," he highlighted.

The 63-year old father of five narrated how he has been a beneficiary of the game which gave him immense opportunities to travel far and wide across the globe.

"I got a scholarship to study and work in the US. I have been able to establish a successful football business there.

"From this experience I can say football changes lives in ways that can never be imagined.

"I have a proven track record, I'm able to get things done in the game," he underscored.

Owino will be deputised by former FKF Western Branch chairman Andrew Amukowa who reiterated that bad governance in football is what they want to change when they assume office.

Legends who graced the former Gor Mahia midfielder's unveiling ceremony included Sammy Sholei (Tusker/Rivatex FC), Laban Jobita (Gor Mahia), Elly Adero (Tusker), Richard Madegwa (Tusker/AFC Leopards), Bobby Ogolla (Gor Mahia), Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee (Re Union) and Bob Oyugi.

While urging Owino to go for the jugular in the elections, Ogolla stated: "We want to take football to footballers, the journey will be long and winding, but it's possible to reach there.

"This is the right time you separate football from masqueraders, it is high time those who played the game took control of their sports."

Ogolla added that Kenya has always had great talents but poor organisation has affected the growth of the game in the country.

"I'm confident Kempes will rectify that when elected into office," said Ogola.

Catherine Chepkurgat, a football coach from Nandi County, while endorsing Owino's bid for the presidency, told the latter not to forget to empower women in the game.

Her sentiments were echoed by Charity Wang'oma aka 'Mama Diouf' who is also the custodian of Bondeni FC.

"Women's football is football of today, not the football of tomorrow.

"I know, when elected, Kempes will establish academies like the ones he has done in the US, to champion for women's rights in the game.

"So far, he has led by example, so I have faith and trust in him," Wang'oma said.

Former FKF official, Elly Mukolwe backed Owino's candidature saying it's the high time we got the right person to be in charge of the sport.

"Let's vet all these presidential candidates, let's give them the right National Executive Committee so the sport can be run better," Mukolwe stated.